Respect Life

The Nine Days for Life Novena, sponsored by the USSCB, surrounds the liturgical observance of the Day of Prayer, January 22. In 2021, the Novena will take place Thursday, January 21 – Friday, January 29.

Sign up to receive a different intention each day, as well as a short reflection, suggested actions and related information as we pray for the respect and protection of every human life.

January 22^nd marks the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision which legalized abortion in the United States. Every year, our Respect Life volunteers erect white crosses outside the entrance to SJV to commemorate the lives of the children lost to abortion since it was legalized in 1973. In addition to the blessing of the crosses, a Rosary for Life is prayed the Sunday after January 22nd.

The Respect Life Ministry invites you to pray the Rosary with us at Planned Parenthood the last Thursday of every month. To carpool, meet in the SJV parking lot by the parish office after 9:00am Mass. We know that when people are present in prayer at the abortion site, through the grace of God, hearts are changed and lives are saved.

Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods. As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of the sea of indifference.”

On March 25th, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord, the Church celebrates the anniversary of the prophetic papal encyclical Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life) published in 1995. This document, written by Pope St. John Paul II, reaffirmed the Church’s constant teaching on the value and inviolability of every human life.

Our parish is joining a nationwide effort entitled: “Walking with Moms in Need: A Year of Service.”  This is an opportunity to assess, expand and better communicate resources and assistance to pregnant moms and families in need at the local level. In light of current events, SJV is adjusting our schedule for the Year of Service according to what is pastorally and practically appropriate for everyone’s safety. In the meantime, we can still pray, wherever we are, that this Year of Service will help us increase our outreach, so that every pregnant and parenting mother in need may know she can turn to her local Catholic community for help and authentic friendship.

A Prayer for Pregnant Mothers
O Blessed Mother, you received the good news of the incarnation of Christ, your Son, with faith and trust. Grant your protection to all pregnant mothers facing difficulties.
Guide us as we strive to make our parish communities places of welcome and assistance for mothers in need. Help us become instruments of God’s love and compassion.
Mary, Mother of the Church, graciously help us build a culture of life and a civilization of love, together with all people of good will, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life.* Amen.

* Cf. Evangelium vitae 105 © Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City. Adapted with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2019, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. Excerpted with permission. Copyright © 2020, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.

The Houston Coalition for Life’s 40 Days for Life Campaign takes place twice a year: during Lent and in the Fall.  SJV’s Respect Life members participate every Thursday during the campaigns, praying from 10 am until Noon.

Our Annual Living Rosary and Celebration of Life takes place every spring. Join us as we Celebrate Life and participate in a Living Rosary. We stand together to pray, united in love to witness and build a culture that honors the life and dignity of every human person.  After the Rosary, join us for a Family Picnic hosted by the Knights of Columbus, Memorial Council 6527.

SJV’s Respect Life Ministry members invite you to pray this Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary.  This Novena is typically prayed from September 29 through October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, but it may be prayed at any time.

Join us in praying that, during Respect Life Month and going forward, our resolve will be strengthened to cherish and protect the gift of every human life, and that God grants us the wisdom and courage to lovingly protect His gift of human life at every stage from conception until natural death.

Day 1                                                                     Day 2
Day 3                                                                     Day 4
Day 5                                                                     Day 6
Day 7                                                                     Day 8
Day 9

In December, Respect Life volunteers sell blank note cards at the Social Service Ministries office. All the proceeds from the sales benefit SJV’s Gabriel Project.